**Lena Panayiotou Promoted to Deputy Director-General of Oev**
Lena Panayiotou has been appointed as the new deputy director-general of the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev), marking a significant milestone in her career that spans over two decades within the organization. This promotion, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, was confirmed by a unanimous decision from Oev’s board during their meeting on September 17.
Panayiotou's journey with Oev began in 2004 when she joined as an officer in the Labour Relations and Social Policy Department. Over the years, she has steadily climbed the ranks, demonstrating her expertise and commitment to the federation's objectives. In 2017, she was elevated to the position of director of the department after serving as a senior officer and deputy director. Most recently, she held the role of assistant director-general, a position she assumed in January 2024.
Her ascension to deputy director-general comes at a time when she has been increasingly involved in high-stakes negotiations on key labor issues in Cyprus. Notably, earlier this month, Panayiotou represented Oev in discussions regarding proposed reforms to the pension system, which included a contentious 12 percent reduction affecting certain early retirees. During these negotiations, she emphasized the federation's desire for a comprehensive evaluation of the reform proposals, pending the receipt of detailed financial data before finalizing Oev's stance.
In addition to pension reform, Panayiotou's responsibilities have encompassed a broad spectrum of labor-related matters, including employment policy, collective bargaining, addressing labor shortages, establishing the national minimum wage, and managing the employment of workers from third countries. Her extensive experience is further highlighted in her official biography, which notes her participation in several national and European bodies. These include the European Social Dialogue Committee, the Labour Advisory Body, the Social Insurance Council, and the National Minimum Wage Adjustment Committee. Furthermore, she serves on the board of the Cyprus Arbitration and Mediation Centre and is involved with the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.
Panayiotou's engagement in European social dialogue has been notable, with previous roles representing Oev in discussions on various issues such as teleworking and the right to disconnect. Her contributions have positioned her as a key figure in shaping labor policies both locally and across Europe.
Outside her duties at Oev, Panayiotou has also made her mark in sports administration. Since July 2023, she has been a member of the Cyprus Football Association’s Executive Committee and has actively participated in its Women’s Football Committee, demonstrating her commitment to promoting women's participation in sports.
Educationally, Panayiotou is well-equipped for her leadership role, holding a law degree and a master's degree in international relations from the University of Leeds. She is also an alumna of the English School in Nicosia, which has contributed to her foundational knowledge and skills in her professional journey.
As Panayiotou steps into her new role as deputy director-general, she will work alongside Oev’s current director-general, Michalis Antoniou, and the federation's diverse organizational structure, which includes departments focused on labor relations, business development, energy and the environment, human resources, administration, and finance.
With her extensive experience and proven track record, Lena Panayiotou is poised to play a pivotal role in guiding Oev through the evolving landscape of labor relations and industrial development in Cyprus. Her promotion reflects not only her individual accomplishments but also the federation's commitment to strong leadership in representing the interests of employers and industrialists across the nation.